Estero Bay Report

Well the changing weather has come and so too has the fishing patterns. Time for anglers to switch to their cooler water tactics. Sheepshead and sea trout are taking place of snook and redfish. 1/0 circle hooks with a #3 split shot thrown up around the oyster bars and mangrove islands has been producing the sheeps, while shrimp under a popping cork fished in 2-5 feet of water over the grass has produced the trout. The key for the trout is good moving water, so anglers should focus their locations near the passes or a cut through between two mangrove islands. Anglers will pick up the occasional redfish around the mangroves usually on higher water. The popping cork method is also great for ladyfish and jacks. The nearshore bite will start to produce sheepshead, snapper, Spanish mackerel, and grouper. Shrimp tipped jig heads will work best.